MIL-STD-38784 Manuals, Technical: General Style And Format RequirementsThis standard covers the general style and format requirements for the preparation of standard Technical Manuals \(TM\) and changes thereto intended for military applications. This includes all technical documents assigned a TM identification number and controlled by a TM management information system, or subject to requisition from an inventory control point. This standard provides for Standard Generalized Markup Language \(SGML\) Document Type Definition \(DTD\) usage \(see Appendices B through E\) required for electronic data delivery, including PDF. This standard supplements the performance of detail specifications used for specific TM types and related publications, but does not deliver any technical data. Unless specified otherwise herein, the examples at the end of this standard are typical and may be adapted to fit the specific equipment or situation being covered. All appendices are intended for compliance when applicable.

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MIL-STD-38784A

type and placed in the lower right-hand corner of the illustration suficiently removed to avoid being

confused as part of the illustration or margin data.

4.6.13 Callouts. Index numbers, reference designator, nomenclature, leader lines, legends, procedures, etc,

shall be used, when necessary, to identify signiicant features (See 3.2.3). Callouts shall be prepared by an

electronic method. Lettering shall be in upper case. Nomenclatures shall appear on illustrations only if

it can be done without crowding or reducing type size so as to make reading dificult. Callouts shall

be placed in the background areas of illustrations when practical.

Print presentation: Unless otherwise speciied (see 6.2.bf.) type size shall be no smaller than 8-point

and no larger than 10-point. Diagram callouts shall be no smaller than 8-point. (A) Letters shall be

used for callouts (e.g.,22A).

(F) Electronic presentation: Font size shall be as speciied in the MIL-DTL-87268.

4.6.13.1 Index numbers. Index numbers for each separate igure shall start with Arabic numeral 1 and

continue consecutively (See 3.2.16). Sequence on exploded views used to show assembly/disassembly shall

be in disassembly order. Otherwise, sequence shall be from top to bottom or clockwise, when possible. New

callouts inserted between items when an illustration is changed shall be the same as the preceding index

number with an added decimal number, e.g. 22.1, 22.2, etc. (M) When callouts are inserted, alpha characters

shall be used, 22a, 22b, etc. When it is necessary to add a callout between items which have already been

added by the preceding method, an alpha character shall be used (e.g. a callout added between 22.1 and 22.2

would be 22.1A). If applicable this system shall also be used in basic publications when errors are discovered

so late in preparation that renumbering of all following index numbers would delay submittal. Sufixed index

numbers need not be eliminated for a revision unless the illustration must be reaccomplished. All functional

items shown on exploded views shall be identiied except for exploded views used for disassembly/assembly.

Print presentation: All multisheet illustrations shall be considered one igure.

4.6.13.2 Nomenclature. Nomenclature of more than one line shall have the left margin justiied (See

3.2.23). All lines of copy shall parallel the horizontal edges of the igure, whenever possible. When

speciied (see 6.2.bg.) a cross reference shall list the oficial nomenclature and its corresponding acronym or

general usage nomenclature.

4.6.13.3 Leader lines and arrowheads. Leader lines and arrowheads may end close to the callout and

object, or may touch the objects to which they apply (See 3.2.18). Lines shall be uniform, short and

straight as possible; however, dog leg shaped lines are permitted. Lines and arrowheads shall not cross

or come in contact with other callout lines or arrowheads nor shall they obscure essential details. For

clarity, where illustration line(s) and leader line(s) intersect, break illustration line(s) to provide white space

on either side of leader line. Arrowheads may be added for clarity. Arrowheads shall be uniform in

shape and size when multiple arrowheads are used.

4.6.14 Legends. Print presentation: When index numbers are used, a legend consisting of their numerical

listing and their identiication shall be included on, adjacent to (same page), or facing, the artwork (See 3.2.19).

(F) Electronic presentation: Legends shall be placed in the graphics pane directly following the graphic.

4.6.15 Steps. Essential illustrations depicting mechanical operations shall be included as necessary.

Operational or procedural illustrations shall have one or more text steps with each illustrated step. It is not

necessary to illustrate each step of a maintenance procedure, such as the removal of screws with an

ordinary screw driver, lifting off a cover after the screws have been removed, etc. Procedural illustrations

should supplement the text by clarifying procedures which are of a special nature or are not obvious.

The text step shall be as close to the illustrated step as possible. Steps shall be identiied in the order

in which they are to be accomplished see igure 22). Alternate types of operational and procedural

step illustrations are acceptable (see igure 23).

4.6.16 Reference designator. The application of reference designator shall be consistent with the reference

designator marked on equipment.

4.6.17 Line drawing details.